Unfortunately today Qualifying 2 and Races 2 and 3 were all cancelled due to the forecast of gale force winds.
Overnight and first thing this morning winds were very strong, and the forecast was for wind gusts to possibly reach 100kph in the afternoon.
The issue is that on the long straight at this circuit, once you pass the pit wall, the strong side winds can push the car up to a car width to the right. On top of this, the long sweeping 170 kph left hander at the end of the straight is incredibly reliant on the downforce of the car. Gusty winds of that nature considerably change the downforce effect through the corner and of course are completely unpredictable. Though I was suited up and ready to race, to do so in those conditions would have been very dangerous.
I know it was very disappointing for many spectators there today, and I understand this, however I am grateful for the organisers at Toyota Racing Series making a difficult decision with the safety of all involved as the priority.
The qualifying and two races missed at this round will be added to the program for the next two events.
The full statement from Toyota Racing Series can be found here.
Now a couple of days off in Queenstown, and then we fly to the North Island early Wednesday morning for Round 3 at Hampton Downs.